Indicating, Testing Or Measuring A Condition Of The Formation Patents (Class 175/50)
  • Publication number: 20120055711
    Abstract: A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: James C. Brannigan, Raymond V. Nold, III, John C. Rasmus, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Publication number: 20120055710
    Abstract: A measurement system for collecting data. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a tubular suspended downhole, the tubular having an outer surface and a flowbore extending therethrough, the flowbore conveying a fluid, a first recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, a first detection system mounted in the first recess, a second recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular, and a second detection system mounted in the second recess. The second recess is offset relative to the first recess by at least one of an axial distance and a circumferential distance. The first detection system is operable to measure a portion of the data, and the second detection system operable to measure another portion of the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Adan Hernandez Herrera, James H. Dudley, Michael Dewayne Finke, Christopher Allen Golla
  • Patent number: 8130117
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a downhole drill bit with a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. Extending from the work surface is a wear resistant electric transmitter electrically isolated from the drill bit body. A wear resistant electrically conductive receiver, also electrically isolated from the bit body, may be connected to a tool string component. The working surface may also have at least two wear resistant electrodes located intermediate the transmitter and receiver that are adapted to measure an electric potential in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Paula Turner, Christopher Durrand
  • Publication number: 20120049625
    Abstract: A power limiting control system includes at least one power generator configured to provide power to a plurality of tools on a drilling rig; and a power limiting controller configured to control the provision of power from the power generator to the plurality of tools. The power limiting controller is adapted to perform a method including determining an individual power consumption for each of the plurality of tools; calculating a total power consumption from each respective individual power consumption of the plurality of tools; comparing the total power consumption of the plurality of tools to a total available power; ranking each respective individual power consumption by load size; and reducing power consumption of at least one of the plurality of tools based on rank when the total power consumption exceeds the total available power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON OILFIELD & MARINE, INC.
    Inventor: Fergus Hopwood
  • Publication number: 20120048541
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging a wellbore with an arm system is provided. The arm system has a pad for measuring a downhole parameter and a first arm having an arm first end connected to a tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a second arm having an arm first end connected to the tool body of the downhole tool and an arm second end connected to the pad. The arm system has a sliding shuffle adapted to allow a portion of the arm system to translate relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool body and a first biasing member wherein the first biasing member and the sliding shuffle are for moving the pad between a closed position proximate the tool body and an engaged position proximate the wellbore wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Patent number: 8126646
    Abstract: A technique includes determining a stress tensor in a formation that surrounds a wellbore. The stress tensor varies with respect to the wellbore. The technique includes running a perforating charge into the wellbore to perforate the formation and performing at least one of selecting the perforating charge and orienting the perforating charge in the wellbore based at least in part on the determination of the stress tensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden M. Grove, Ian C. Walton
  • Publication number: 20120037422
    Abstract: The Smart ReamerĀ® Tool, Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well while interlinked calipers and calibration sensors simultaneously record data relating to the geometry of the drilling operation (well diameter, diameter of the underreamed zone) and drilling fluid properties (density). Further sensors provide data on the relative position of the cutting and stabilizing blocks. Other sensors measure vibration data. All the sensors are interlinked by means of microprocessors which compare and correlate said data to automatically verify and deliver a desired wellbore diameter without the need to unnecessarily stop drilling or trip out of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Wajid Rasheed
  • Publication number: 20120037423
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods measuring and processing a characteristic of subsurface earth formations penetrated by a borehole. More specifically this present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for measuring and processing an acoustic characteristic such as formation shear wave velocity of subsurface sonic waves after these waves traverse earth formations adjoining a borehole or passing through a portion of the subsurface. The apparatus may include: a bottomhole assembly, a drill bit configured to generate an acoustic signal, at least two acoustic detectors, and a processor. The acoustic signal may include a specific multipole signal that may propagate through an earth formation along the borehole. The method may include use of the apparatus, including steps for estimating a shear velocity of the acoustic signal using signals from the at least two acoustic detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodorus W. Geerits, Douglas J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8113280
    Abstract: A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristopher V. Sherrill
  • Publication number: 20120031670
    Abstract: An apparatus made according to one embodiment includes a drill bit that has a cavity at an end thereof and a communication device placed in the cavity, wherein the communication device includes a first section and a second section, wherein an outer dimension of the second section is greater than an outer dimension of the first section, and wherein the second section includes a conduit configured to allow passage of a conductor from the drill bit to a location outside the drill bit so as to provide a direct connection of the conductor from the drill bit to an element outside the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120024600
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Vadim Minosyan, Gary E. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20120013335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining a physiochemical property of a drilling fluid at a drilling site during a drilling phase, said method comprising detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from out-of-hole drilling fluid at said site and calculating therefrom a value indicative of said property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Arild Saasen, Claas Van Der Zwaag, Tor Henry Omland, Per Amund Amundsen
  • Patent number: 8096370
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing nozzle jet columns underground comprising a bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) for producing a borehole and a nozzle jet column in the region of the borehole, and a measuring device (14) for measuring the nozzle jet column, in particular the diameter of the nozzle jet column, the measuring device (14) being at least partially integrated into the bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) so that it is possible to measure the nozzle jet column using the mechanical measuring device (14) without the bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) having previously been withdrawn from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: GuD Ingenieurburo fur Spezialtiefbau GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolaus Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110315445
    Abstract: A method of installing a sensor in a borehole drilled through underground formations, wherein the borehole is drilled with a hollow drill string formed from a series of pipe sections connected end-to-end, a drill bit being positioned at one end of the drill string and having an closure that is operable to provide an opening between the borehole and the inside of the drill string, the method comprising: drilling the borehole to a predetermined depth using the drill string and bit; partially withdrawing the drill string from the borehole so that the drill bit is positioned above the predetermined depth; lowering a sensor inside the drill string by means of a cable; operating the closure so that the sensor can pass out of the drill string into the borehole; and progressively withdrawing the drill string and drill bit from the borehole over the cable so as to leave the sensor in the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: THRUBIT B.V.
    Inventors: Douwe Johannes Runia, Robert Nicholas Worrall
  • Patent number: 8082105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress in rock using a thermal crack. The method involves forming a borehole, cooling a wall of the borehole, applying tensile thermal stress, forming a crack in the borehole wall, and measuring temperature and cracking point. Afterwards, the borehole wall is heated to close the formed crack, the borehole wall is cooled again to re-open the crack, and temperature is measured when the crack is re-opened. The in-situ stress of the rock is calculated using a first cracking temperature at which the crack is formed and a second cracking temperature at which the crack is re-opened. Further, the apparatus cools, heats and re-cools the borehole wall, thereby measuring the first cracking temperature, the second cracking temperature, and the cracking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Chang-Ha Ryu, Dong-Woo Ryu, Byung-Hee Choi, Loui Porathur John, Jung-Ho Synn
  • Publication number: 20110303463
    Abstract: A method for the extraction of a gas fraction of each compound, the measurement of information representative of the gas fraction of each compound and the calculation, for each first compound of a first group of compounds, of the content of said first compound in the drilling fluid on the basis of information measured for the gas fraction of the first compound and on the basis of a first correction factor (?i).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Lessi
  • Patent number: 8074511
    Abstract: The downhole tool disclosed herein comprises a body, a flexible member attached to the body, and a transducer housed in the body. The flexible member compresses against one side of the wellbore and urges the body against the other side. The transducer emits a signal to the flexible member reflectable from the flexible member back to the transducer. The signal travel time from the transducer to the flexible member and back is analyzed for estimating the distance between the body and the flexible member. The standoff distance can be estimated from the distance between the body and the flexible member. From the standoff distance, the wellbore diameter is estimated. The tool may also obtain wellbore dimensions by obtaining near side wellbore standoff and using a magnetic ruler to determine bowspring flexing. The magnetic ruler results may be used in conjunction with or without the far side standoff data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Cornelis Huiszoon, Homero C. Castillo, Shawn A. Olsen, Roger R. Steinsiek, Gabriel Villasmil
  • Patent number: 8069932
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining formation parameters including a seismic array for receiving seismic waves at plurality of depth simultaneously, thereby enabling a determination of a formation velocity by using a difference in the seismic waves received by the various portions of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kamata
  • Publication number: 20110290561
    Abstract: A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce L. Randall, Michael J. Brogdin, David Brisco
  • Patent number: 8061442
    Abstract: Methods of using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a known subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at known dip and azimuth angles toward the subterranean formation. The resistivity data is used to determine pore pressure ahead of the drill bit in the formation as a function of resistivity ahead of the drill bit in the formation while the drill bit advances toward but before the bit penetrates the formation while drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Mark William Alberty
  • Patent number: 8061443
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole sensor system comprises at least one downhole sensor disposed on or within a downhole component of a tool string. The downhole sensor is adapted to detect at least one characteristic of a downhole formation adjacent the downhole component. The downhole sensor has a variable sampling rate controlled by a processing element. The processing element is in electrical communication with a tool string rate-of-penetration sensor and/or a tool string rotational speed sensor. The processing element is adapted to vary the sampling rate in response to the rate-of-penetration and/or rotational speed of the tool string. In some embodiments, the system is a closed loop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Paula Turner, Christopher Durrand
  • Patent number: 8061444
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form a well are disclosed. An example method involves determining a reservoir fluid map associated with at least a portion of a reservoir. The first fluid map has first fluid composition data associated therewith. The example method also involves measuring a formation fluid and determining a second fluid composition data based on the measurement. The second fluid composition data is compared with the first fluid composition data associated with the reservoir fluid map, and a well trajectory is adjusted based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver C. Mullins, Julian J. Pop, Francois X. Dubost, Soraya S. Betancourt
  • Patent number: 8060311
    Abstract: Job monitoring methods and apparatus for logging-while-drilling equipment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes obtaining a fluid associated with an underground geological formation, analyzing the fluid with one or more sensors to form respective ones of sensor outputs, identifying a downhole scenario associated with the fluid based on the sensor outputs, the identifying being performed while the sensors are within the underground geological formation, and selecting a telemetry frame type based on the identified downhole scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvain Ramshaw, Julian J. Pop, Peter Swinburne, Kai Hsu, Steven G. Villareal
  • Publication number: 20110272195
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for adjusting weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias in a drill bit. The apparatus may include a bit adjustment device disposed at least partially in a cavity in a bit shank. The bit adjustment device includes electronics and sensors for estimating a weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit bias. The method includes adjusting the weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias of a drill bit. The method may include adjusting force on a bit adjustment device to adjust weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias. The method may also include securing the bit adjustment device within the cavity of the bit shank after the desired weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110266056
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for planning and dynamically updating sampling operations while drilling in a subterranean formation are described. An example method of planning a sampling while drilling operation for a subterranean formation includes identifying a plurality of processes and related parameters, the processes including drilling and sampling processes and the related parameters including drilling and sampling parameters. The example method also involves processing the parameters for each of the processes via a simulation engine to generate predictions associated with sampling the formation, the simulation engine including at least one of a wellbore hydraulics simulator, a mudcake simulator, a formation flow simulator, or a tool response simulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Yong Chang
  • Publication number: 20110266055
    Abstract: Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutting element of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutting element may further include at least one thermistor sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one thermistor sensor. The at least one thermistor sensor may be configured to vary a resistance in response to a change in temperature. The conductive pathway may be configured to provide a current path through the at least one thermistor sensor in response to a voltage. Other methods, tools and components are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Eric C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110266057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device including an apparatus for measuring drilling or coring operation parameters using a bit attached to the end of a drill string, the measuring apparatus (10) being housed in a chamber (5) provided in a sleeve (1, 18) that is designed to be positioned between two drill pipes of the drill string or between the bit and a drill pipe of the drill string, or to form a coupling (18) for joining a cutting head (15) of the bit to a drill string, the chamber (5) leading into an axial channel (11) of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: SĆ©bastian Desmette
  • Publication number: 20110253448
    Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a source configured to induce radiation into a formation during drilling of a wellbore and a sensor in the drill bit configured to detect radiation from the formation responsive to the radiation induced by the source. The drill bit may further include a circuit configured to process signals received from the sensor to estimate a property of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan, David A. Curry, Xiaomin C. Cheng, Feyzi Inanc, Yi Liu
  • Publication number: 20110253364
    Abstract: The invention relates to techniques, such as a system for generating a density of a cased wellbore. The system includes at least one downhole tool deployable into the cased wellbore, a radiation source supportable by the downhole tool for passing radiation through the subterranean formation, at least one detector supportable by the downhole tool for measuring the radiation, and a measurement tool for generating at least one apparent density log from the measured radiation. The measurement tool has at least one quality indicator tool for generating at least one quality indicator and for generating at least one compensated density log based on the apparent density log and the quality indicator whereby error is removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurent Mosse, James Hemingway, III, Ronald Plasek, Nancy J. Freshman
  • Publication number: 20110247878
    Abstract: An expansion and sensing tool (50) comprising a tool body, cutter blocks and sensors with means for attachment to a drilling support and rotation which permits simultaneous underreaming and measurement of the diameter of a wellbore (40) drilled by an oil and gas rig (10) and characterized by radially extendable cutter blocks (62) incorporating positional sensors (80) adapted to measure the position of the cutter block relative to the tool, and vibration sensor means (76) to measure vibration and underreaming dynamics wellbore dimension in real-time, all of which are inter-linked by a means of communication using receivers, sensors and microprocessors to deliver a desired wellbore depth by simultaneously comparing and correlating measured vibration data and optimizing underreaming parameters. The tool may be optionally configured with calliper or stabilizer means directly or indirectly connected to the underreamer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Wajid Rasheed
  • Publication number: 20110247803
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to monitor a first condition associated with transmitting or receiving a signal in a formation or on a drill string, or both, over a first selected interval of a drill string located down hole; to monitor a second condition associated with transmitting or receiving the signal in the formation or on the drill string or both, over a second selected interval of the drill string; to compare the first condition to the second condition to provide a comparison result; and based on the comparison result, to select one of the first selected interval or the second selected interval to transmit or receive the signal in the formation or on the drill string, or both. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Clive D. Menezes
  • Publication number: 20110240365
    Abstract: The internal liquid measurement and monitoring system for a three phase separator allows the user to accurately and reliably calculate the volumetric flow rate of the liquids exiting the three phase separator. A differential pressure device is attached to where the extension fitting of each liquid inside of the three phase separator. The differential pressure device creates a differential pressure, which is conveyed to a sensor by means of a pair of sensing lines. The sensor relays the differential pressure reading to an RTU flow computer that calculates the volumetric flow rate of the liquid exiting the three phase separator. The calculation is then sent to a SCADA system, which allows the user to observe the volumetric flow rate in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel E. THORNHILL
  • Patent number: 8031081
    Abstract: An embodiment of a wireless telemetry system for providing signal communication across a wired-communication gap in a bottom-hole assembly (ā€œBHAā€), the BHA having an upper portion and a lower portion separated by the wired-communication gap, includes an upper transceiver positioned in the upper portion and in signal communication with a surface telemetry system and a lower transceiver positioned in the lower portion and in signal communication with a drilling tool, the upper and the lower transceivers in signal communication with one another via wireless induction telemetry. Each transceiver may include an antenna that is positioned within the bore of a drill collar adjacent to a thinned wall section in the drill collar. The thinned wall section may include one or more of increasing an inside diameter relative to a base inside diameter of the bore and decreasing an outside diameter relative to a base outside diameter of the drill collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Attilio C. Pisoni, David L. Smith, Brian Clark, Jean Seydoux, Vassilis Varveropoulos
  • Publication number: 20110238220
    Abstract: A resistivity array having a modular design includes a transmitter module with at least one antenna, wherein the transmitter module has connectors on both ends adapted to connect with other downhole tools; and a receiver module with at least one antenna, wherein the transmitter module has connectors on both ends adapted to connect with other downhole tools; and wherein the transmitter module and the receiver module are spaced apart on a drill string and separated by at least one downhole tool. Each transmitter and receiver module may comprise at least one antenna coil with a magnetic moment orientation not limited to the tool longitudinal direction. A spacing between the transmitter and receiver module may be selected based on expected reservoir thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: JEAN SEYDOUX, Emmanuel Legendre, Reza Taherian
  • Publication number: 20110234230
    Abstract: Logging tools and methods employing an at-bit loop antenna to acquire azimuthal resistivity measurements proximate to the bit enable low-latency geosteering signals to be generated. In some embodiments, the at-bit antenna is part of a bottom hole assembly that includes a drill bit, a mud motor, and a resistivity tool. The mud motor is positioned between the at-bit antenna and the resistivity tool. The resistivity tool includes at least one loop antenna that is not parallel to the at-bit loop antenna. The at-bit antenna is part of an at-bit module that, in some embodiments, transmits periodic electromagnetic signal pulses for the resistivity tool to measure. In other embodiments, the at-bit module measures characteristics of electromagnetic signal pulses sent by the resistivity tool and communicates the measured characteristics to the resistivity tool via a short hop telemetry link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Clive d. Menezes
  • Publication number: 20110226531
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for measuring borehole conditions, in particular for verification of a final diameter of a borehole. The system includes a drill string with a drill bit and a drilling mud circulation device, an underreamer attached to the drill string above the drill bit, and a tool body attached to the drill string, having a sensor for detecting downhole conditions, such as borehole diameter. The tool body is mounted above the underreamer and has a diameter smaller than the underreamer and drill bit. The sensor can be an ultrasonic transducer with adjustable signal amplitude and can be fixed in positions along the tool body. The system may also include a calibrator for sensor data, and an auxiliary tool body with another sensor between the drill bit and the underreamer. The method of the present invention is use of the system for final borehole verification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: TOOL JOINT PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: David B. JONES
  • Patent number: 8020633
    Abstract: A method of logging a wellbore comprises drilling a first wellbore to a depth using a drilling rig and drilling a second wellbore to a depth using the drilling rig. While the second wellbore is being drilled a logging operation is conducted in the first wellbore using the drilling rig. The logging operation can be conducted in the first wellbore via a wireline logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Buck, Eric Roberto Upchurch
  • Publication number: 20110220414
    Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for measure while drilling including a housing defining a longitudinal housing axis, wherein the housing has an upper end and a lower end. A motor includes a rotor, wherein the rotor is adapted to be driven by drilling fluids. A first drive coupling is coupled between the rotor and a first driven rod. A second drive coupling is coupled between the driven rod an a connecting shaft. A third drive coupling is coupled between the connecting shaft and a second driven rod. A fourth drive coupling is coupled between the second driven rod and a motor bearing section, wherein the connecting shaft extends through an offset bore in the housing and transmits power from the motor to the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Massoud Panahi
  • Publication number: 20110220411
    Abstract: An acoustic sensing tool for use with a carrier disposed in a wellbore may include a base and a resilient clamp disposed around the base. The clamp may move between a retracted position, in which the clamp interior surface engages the carrier, and an expanded position, in which the clamp exterior surface engages the wellbore. A sensor is coupled to the clamp. An actuator is movable along the base and operably coupled to the clamp. The actuator is operable to move the clamp between the retracted and expanded positions and configured to maintain contact with the clamp in both the retracted and expanded positions so that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the housing to move to the expanded position, and movement of the actuator in a second, opposite direction causes the housing to move to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: HUGUES DUPONT
  • Publication number: 20110221883
    Abstract: A method of transmitting borehole image data from a borehole location to a remote location includes obtaining a set of image data describing formation surrounding a borehole using a logging tool at a selected depth or range of depths in the borehole, extracting one or more image features from the set of image data downhole, and transmitting a representation of the extracted image features to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Lucian Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110220412
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Patent number: 8011454
    Abstract: A method of estimating a property of interest downhole according to one aspect of the disclosure may include continuously receiving a core drilled from a formation into an open end of a chamber while removing the core distal from the open end of the chamber. The method further includes obtaining a measurement relating to property of interest of the core using at least one sensor; and estimating the property of interest of the core using the obtained measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Homero C. Castillo
  • Patent number: 8011446
    Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL include a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenda Wylie, Frank Zamora, Beegamudre N. Murali, James B. Terry, Lance Everett Brothers, Anthony Vann Palmer, Baireddy R. Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Jimmie D. Weaver, John M. Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russell M. Fitsgerald, Anne M. Culotta, M. Vikram Rao, Roger Boulton, Chen-Kang David Chen, Thomas M. Gaynor, John Hardin, Dan Gleitman, Colin Walker
  • Publication number: 20110209918
    Abstract: A downhole jarring tool includes a mandrel having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, a detent cylinder sealingly disposed around the mandrel forming an enclosure, a divider disposed in the enclosure between the mandrel and the detent cylinder, wherein the divider partitions the enclosure into a storage chamber and a metering chamber, and a metering system disposed around the mandrel. A method of applying an impact force using a downhole jarring tool includes moving a mandrel with respect to a detent cylinder by applying an axial force, positioning the mandrel such that a metering system disposed on the mandrel enters a reduced diameter portion of the detent cylinder, transmitting energy to an energy storing component disposed inside the detent cylinder, metering a fluid through the metering system, and accelerating the mandrel with respect to the detent cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Vishal Saheta, Arley G. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110203846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining formation data while drilling. The apparatus may include a drill string and a plurality of sensors. At least two of the plurality of sensors are spaced apart along the drill string a approximately the same distance as a length of a segment of the drill string. The segment of the drill string is either added to or removed from the rest of the drill string as the drill string moves in the borehole during a drilling operation. The method may include providing numerous sensors along a drill string and repeating a cycle of various functions. The cycle may include performing an operation moving the drill string relative to the borehole and stopping movement of the drill string. Additional functions may include changing an overall length of the drill string and performing the formation property while the drill string is relatively stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Degrange, Charles Peter Deri, Neil Kelsall, Edward Kent Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110203847
    Abstract: A method for forming multiple lateral boreholes from an existing wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The wellbore may have a slimhole region having an inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole apparatus having a whipstock. The whipstock may be a single piece tool that rotates into position below the slimhole region, or it may be a two piece tool comprising a top whipstock member and a separate bottom whipstock member. The whipstock has a curved face. The method also includes running the apparatus down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the apparatus to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, the curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius that allows the jetting hose to bend across the entire inner diameter of the production casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce L. Randall, Michael J. Brogdin
  • Publication number: 20110198125
    Abstract: A percussive driving apparatus for an environmental sampling or test device. The driving apparatus comprises a percussion stem (10), a weighted percussion plunger (20) having a longitudinal bore through which the percussion stem (10) is received, the percussion plunger (20) being slidable along a length of the percussion stem (10), a lift element (80) to permit lifting of the percussion plunger (20) along at least a portion of said length of the percussion stem (10), and a percussion pad (30) affixed to the percussion stem (10) at or near a first end thereof. The percussion pad (30) is configured to receive percussive driving force from the percussion plunger (20). The percussion tube (10) is also adapted at the first end to connect to a probe (40) (for example a shielded or unshielded piezometer, or a split spoon sampler, a seepage meter, long term data logging monitoring device, or seismic device) for environmental sampling and/or testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Peter K. Krahn
  • Patent number: 7997340
    Abstract: The present invention involves methods and apparatus for permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors. Specifically, optical sensors may be permanently deployed within a wellbore using a casing string. In one aspect, one or more optical sensors are disposed on, in, or within the casing string. The optical sensors may be attached to an outer surface of the casing string or to an inner surface of the casing string, as well as embedded within a wall of the casing string. The optical sensors are capable of measuring wellbore parameters during wellbore operations, including completion, production, and intervention operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/LAMB, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis X. Bostick, III, David G. Hosie, Michael Brian Grayson, Ram K. Bansal
  • Patent number: 7987925
    Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data-sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul E. Pastusek, Eric C. Sullivan, Daryl L. Pritchard, R. Keith Glasgow, Jr., Tu Tien Trinh, Paul J. Lutes
  • Patent number: 7980327
    Abstract: The invention provides for systems and methods of enhancing crude oil recovery providing an array of electromagnetic receiver antennae arranged and operated in conjunction with an array of far field electromagnetic transmitter antennae for mapping subsurface features of a reservoir. Mapping is performed according to the relative intensities, frequencies, phase shifts, and/or other reflected signal parameters of the reflections received by the receiver antennae (relative to the transmit signals) associated with a given location or target area within a reservoir. Such mapping aids in determining an optimal location of a production well or the location of an auxiliary well relative to the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Benischek, Michael Currie, Rajneeta Basantkumar, Gennady Lyasko